Viracept recall
to affect only Europe, not U.S.

Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG released a statement on Wednesday explaining that its recall of the anti-HIV drug Viracept is intended for Europe and several other regions but not the United States, Canada, and Japan, reported Reuters.

The recall, due to contamination of the drug by a potentially harmful chemical during the manufacturing process, will cover all types of Viracept powder and tablets in affected countries.

"Roche has received several reports that some batches of Viracept 250 mg tablets have a strange odor," the company said in the statement, according to Reuters.

"A detailed chemical analysis of the affected tablets showed they contain higher than normal levels of methane sulfonic acid ethylester. In the interest of patients' safety Roche has decided to recall all batches of Viracept tablets and powder." (The Advocate)